Back to article: The multiple functions of the numerous Chlamydia trachomatis secreted proteins: the tip of the iceberg


FIGURE 1: The chlamydial developmental cycle. (1) Adhesion to host cells by C. trachomatis EBs released from previously infected cells triggers the delivery of T3S effectors that overall mediate actin rearrangements resulting in chlamydial invasion, inhibition of interaction with the endocytic pathway, and modulation of host cell survival and immune signalling (∼ 0-2 h post-infection). (2) The nascent inclusion segregates from the phagolysosomal pathway, the EBs differentiate into RBs, and the inclusion migrates along microtubules to a perinuclear centrosomal region (∼ 2-6 h post-infection). (3) The RBs start replicating exponentially leading to a large inclusion occupying most of the host cell cytoplasm (∼ 6-24 h post-infection). (4) The RBs re-differentiate asynchronously into EBs (∼ 24-48 h post-infection). (5) & (6) The EBs (infectious progeny) and a few lasting RBs are released by host cell lysis (5) or extrusion (6) (∼ 48-72 h post-infection). (7) Under certain stress conditions (antibiotics or cytokines) there is the reversible formation of aberrant RBs, a persister-like chlamydial form.

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this. Please refer to our "privacy statement" and our "terms of use" for further information.

Close